Method and apparatus for making collapsible boxes



April 1940- c. R. swAFFoRD 2,198,694

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING COLLAPSIBLE BOXES Filed-March 9, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Zhwentor:

CA El. RSWAFFORD Gttorucu April 23, 1940. 2,198,094

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING COLLAPSIBLE BOXES C. R. SWAFFORD Filed larchfi, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 CRRL RSWHFFoKD Gttorneg April 23, 1940. Q R SWAFFQRD 2,198,094

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING COLLAPSIBLE BOXES I Filed March 9, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Bmaentor CARL 5 WAF'FORD April 23, c R SWAFFQRD METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING COLLAPSIBLE BOXES Filed larch 9, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 CHRL R5WHFFORO Ihmcntor Patented Apr. 23, 1940 PATENT OFF-ICE DIETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING COLLAPSIBLE BOXES Carl B. Swafford, Charlotte, N. 0., assignor to Old Dominion Box companmLynchburg, Va., a corporation of Virginia Application March 9, 1939, Serial No. 260,794

16 Claims.

This invention relates to a method and means for making collapsible boxes whose side walls and end walls can be folded inwardly in planes substantially parallel to the bottom thereof, so that the boxes will occupy a minimum amount of space. More specifically, it relates to a method and means for making boxes of this type with great rapidity. The box comprises a bottom and a pair of parallel side walls and a pair of parallel end walls, the end walls having over-lapping tabs secured to the exterior of the side walls, each end of said tabs also having an oblique crease therein to allow said walls to simultaneously collapse inwardly to a folded position. The novel apparatus comprises means for quickly folding these end tabs along this oblique crease line during the formation of the box, from a stamped body blank.

. It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a method of manufacture of a box which comprises moving a stamped body blank longitudinally of its center line through a machine,

folding end wall tabs upon themselves along folding the ends walls and the creased tabs upon the side walls to thereby form a collapsed box.

It is another object of this invention to provide a mechanism which will quickly and efliciently fold the end wall tabs of a box along diagonal creases or perforations in such a manner that these tabs may be adhesively or otherwise secured to the exterior of the side walls when the box is subsequently formed. Heretofore, it has been impossible to manufacture boxes of this type with great rapidity, due to the inability of machines to quickly and properly crease these end tabs. The present invention comprises a creasing means which will perform this task efficiently and rapidly and thereby enable the manufacturer to produce the box in great quantities. A box made in accordance with this pattern contains a minimum amount of material per unit volume.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is an isometric view of a pre-cut body blank for use in the apparatus and upon which the method is adapted to be carried out;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of this same blank showing the first operation performed in making of the box;

Figure 3 is a view showing this blank after a second operation has been carried out, where it will be noted that all of the end tabs have all been 5 folded upon themselves;

Figure 4 is an isometric view showing this body blank after the third and fourth operations, in which the side walls and the ends of the end walls have been folded inwardly, and glue spots have been applied to the tabs;

Figure 5 is an isometric view showing the box after the fifth operation has been performed in which the box is shown constructed in a collapsed position; i

Figure 6 is a sectional isometric view taken along the line 6-6 in Figure-.5-but showing the box in a partially opened position;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of-the box fully 7 opened; 20

Figure 8 is a plan view with parts in section of a machineupon which the box shown in Figtires 1 and 7 may be manufactured;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 9-9 in Figure 8; v 25 Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line llll0 in Figure 8; v

Figure 11 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken along the lines ll ll in Figures 8 and 9, with portions of shafts 69, I6 and a broken away;

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view taken along line |2-i2 in Figures 8 and 9, with portions of shafts l0, l1 and 90b being broken away; 5

Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line l3-l3 in Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line l4-M in Figure 8;

Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line l5-l5 in Figure 8;

Figure 16 is an enlarged verticalsectional view taken along the line Iii-18 in Figure 8 showing the glue applying means; I

Figure 17 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line |'Ill in Figure 8, showing the apparatus for creasing the leading. end of the tabs along their oblique crease lines;

Figure 18 is an enlarged sectional plan view taken along the line Ill-l8 in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 17 but showing the parts in a slightly more advanced position during the creasing of the leading end wall tabs; I I v Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 but showing the parts in a still farther advanced position with the trailing end tabs being creased;

Figure 21 is a sectional view showing the parts in a still farther advanced position than shown in Figure 20, at which time the final creasing operation is being performed on the trailing end tabs;

Figure 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 in Figure 15 showing the final operation during the formation of the box in which the end walls and glued tabs are held in folded and compressed position.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral l denotes a stamped body blank made of any suitable material such as cardboard or the like upon which the novel apparatus is adapted to operate, and upon which the novel method is carried out. Thisblank has side portions which later become side walls II and I2 and also has other portions which later become end walls l4 and I5. The forward portion i4 has tabs ll integral with each end thereof, these tabs being joined to the ends of-the foremost end walls along perforated oblique lines I6. Likewise, the trailing portion I has tabs 26 secured thereto along oblique perforated lines 2!. In order to' fully understand the invention, the method of forming this box will be first described.

Operation No. 1

By referring to Figure 2 it is seen that the foremost end tabs I! are first creased along the diagonal perforated lines I8 by a suitable apparatus which will be presently described. This blank is moved along a line passing through its longitudinal center line and suitable fingers are moved downwardly to crease these tabs. As the blank is moved to the left the tabs finally assume the folded position shown in Figure 2.

Operation No. 2

The blank III is then again moved along a line passing through its longitudinal center line. When the trailing end tabs 26 reach a predetermined point, they are pushed downwardly by a suitable apparatus which eventually folds them along the perforated crease lines 2| until they assume the position shown in Figure 3. Itwill be noted that the leading tabs I! are folded in the same direction in which the blank is travelling; whereas the trailing tabs 26 are folded in an opposite direction from the direction which the blank travels.

Operation No. 3 As the blank l6 continues to be moved sidewisetheportions II and I2 and the endsofeach of the end portions i4 and I5 are folded inwardly along lines 22 and 23, forming side walls II and I2. These bend lines are dot-dash in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The tabs l1 and 20 are then disposed with the contact faces upwardly. With the box thus folded it is held in a compressed position with practically all of its layers in substantially parallel planes.

Operation No. 4

Operations 1, 2 and 3 are carried out while the blank Ill moves longitudinally to the left. After the creasing along the lines 22 and 23 has been effected, the longitudinal movement of the blank It ends. At this time certain apparatus is brought into play to move the box substantially at right angles to its longitudinal axis. Operations 4 and 5 are carried out while the blank is.

moving transversely of a line passing through the longitudinal axis or toward the observer in the lower left hand corner of Figure 8. The fourth operation comprises the application of glue spots 26 and 21 to the exposed faces of tabs I1 and 26. These tabs with the glue applied, are now ready to be folded against the exterior of the side walls II and I2.

Operation No. 5

After the glue spots have been properly applied, the box continues its travel along a line passing through its transverse axis. Then suitable mechanism is brought into play whereby the portions i4 and I5 together with the tabs l1 and 20 will be folded inwardly along dot-dash lines Hand 36 to form the end walls at which time the glued tabs will be pressed against and thereby secured to the exterior of the side walls I I and i2. With the completion of operation 5, the box is completed in a collapsed position. It is only necessary to open the collapsed side walls to bring the box to the partially opened position shown in Figure 6 and then to a completely opened position as shown in Figure 7.

The mechanism employed in carrying out the method which has been enumerated in operations 1 to 5 inclusive, constitutes an improvement over the patent to Staude, No. 1,104,013 of July 21, 1914. The creasing of the side walls, that is operation 3, can be carried out by the structure disclosed in this patent. However, since it is necessary to entirely remodel the machine in order to perform the operations 1, 2 and 4 and 5, a complete description will be made.

The numerals 35 and 36 designate the side frames which support the machinery for creasing the end tabs and folding the side walls. Between these frames is mounted a shaft 31 upon which sprockets 36 are secured, said sprockets being adapted to carry chains 39 which have projections 40 secured thereon at spaced intervals (Figures 8, 9-and 17). The top portions of the chains 39 move to the left in Figures 8 and 9 to cause the projections 40 to deliver blanks In in timed relation to the operation of the creasing and folding machinery. The chains 39 and 46 are also mounted on the sprocket wheels, not shown, to form. a suitable feeding mechanism for the blanks l0.

Disposed also between the side frames 35 and 36 are super-posed shafts 4| and 42, which have secured to the central portion thereof superposed wheels 43 and 44 respectively (Figures 8 and 9). Wheel 43 rotates in a clockwise direction and wheel 44 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 9. The peripheries of these wheels are separated sufllcientiy to provide space for belts 4'5 and 46 to be disposed therebetween, and for the blanks l6.

By referring to Figure 9, it will be seen that a belt 45 is mounted on wheel 43 and a belt 46 is mounted on the wheel. The lower layer of belt 45 moves directly above the upper layer of belt 46. It is between these belts that the blanks iii are conveyed.

The lower belt 46 also is mounted upon a pulley 49 which is disposed upon transverse shaft 50, said shaft having its ends journaled in the side frames 35 and 36 (Figures 8 and 9). The lower layer of the belt. 46 also is adapted to pass over intermediate tightener pulleys 54, 55 and 56.

The upper belt 45 which cooperates with the also to provide space lower center belt 46 in conveying the blanks I8 also passes over a tightener pulley 88 and a roller 59. The lower periphery of the roller 581s so disposed that it will hold the lower left-hand side of the belt 45 in close proximity to the top of the upper layer of belt 46, thereby affording a considerable length in which the belts will clamp the body blank I8, therebetween along its longitudinal center line and cause it to move to the left in Figure 9 as the proximate portions of these belts move in the same direction. ;The lower layer of belt 45 supports, between the wheel 43 and the roller 58, intermediate rollers 88 which rollers are disposed in slots in a bar 8| which, in turn, is suspended by means of hanger rods 82. These hanger rods are secured to the ends of a lever 63 which is pivotally supported by a transverse shaft 64. The bar 6| has a plurality of smaller rollers 68 in the extreme left-hand end thereof which are slightly removed from the upper part of the bottom belt 46. The rollers 68 serve to hold the blank I8 downwardly against belt 46.

Likewise, the upper portion of the bottom belt 46 is supported in its proper position by a plurality of rollers 61 which are secured to center rail 89. This rail is supported by transverse shafts 58 and I8, which, in turn, are disposed between the side frames 35 and 38, (Figures 1, 9, 11 and 12).

The lower side track on the far side in Figure 8, is designated by the reference character I5. The ends of this track are supported by threaded shafts I8 and II which, in turn, are mounted between the side frames 35 and 36, (Figures 11 and 12) The inner surface of track 15 has rollers I8 secured thereto which support the intermediate portion of the upper layer of side belt I9, said side belt having its right-hand end mounted around a pulley 88 (Figures 8 and 9), and its right-hand end mounted around a pulley 8| (Figure 10). The pulley 88 is rotatably secured as at 82 to the right-hand end of track I5, whereas the pulley 8| is fixedly secured to a transverse shaft 83.

Disposed over the left-hand end of the belt I9 (Figures 9, 10 and 12) is a plurality of rollers 85 which rest on the upper surface of the lower layer of a belt 88, said belt being also mounted around pulleys 81 and 88, the pulley 88 being fixed on shaft 88a, (Figure 9). Although the belt 86 appears to be directly above the center belt 46 in Figure 9, this is notthe case, but the belt is disposed farther over as will be seen in Figure 8 and at a point directly above thebelt I9 on the far track I5. The purpose in providing the additional belt 86 is to have means for assisting the lower left-hand end of side belt I9 in moving the folded box to the left after it passes out from beneath the center belt 45.

A track 98 is disposed on the near side of the center track 68 which is substantially ofthe same construction as the track I5 previously described and is supported by shafts 98a and 881). This track has a plurality of rollers 9| secured thereto (Figures 11 and 12) over which is adapted to pass the top layer of a belt 93. This belt 93 is also adapted to pass over suitable pulleys such as 88 and 83 previously described, and which are disposed at the extremities of the belt. The pulley 88 is rotatably mounted on the right hand end of the track 98 whereas the pulley 83, which supports-the left-hand extremity of the belt 83, is disposed upon the shaft 8| in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 10.

Cooperating with the left-hand portion of the belt 88 are suitable rollers 95 which press against the top side of the lower layer of a belt 88, said belt 88 being also mounted around end rollers 81' and 98 (Figures 8, 9 and 12). Therefore, it is seen that the belts 86 and 88 are mounted substantially in the same manner and are adapted to cooperate with belts I8 and 93, respectively, disposed therebelow. These belts provide clamping surfaces between which the side edges of the box blank are adapted to pass.

The shaft II has adjustably secured thereto by means of keyway I88, suitable wheels I! and IN. Thesewheels IM and IM have means associated therewith for creasing the leading tabs II and the trailing tabs 28 of blank I8. The structure on wheel IN is identical to that shown on wheel I8I except that it is opposite hand; consequently only a description of the parts associated with wheel I8I will be made and'similar parts associated with wheel I8I' will be given like reference characters with the prime notation added. Secured to the periphery of this wheel I8I as at I82 is a bracket I83 (Figures 17 and 18). Pivoted to the bracket I83 as at I84 is another bracket I85. 25

line of the machine in the manner shown in Flgures 17 and 18. A closed cam bracket H5 is secured to wheel I8I as at I28 and is provided 3 with a slot II6 therein for encircling the center of sleeve II8 on the upwardly extending portion of finger I81 and holding it in the position shown in the lower portion of Figures 17 and 18. This gives a universal mounting to finger I8'I. This sleeve and its associated portion of finger I81 is normally held in the left-hand extremity of the slot I I8 by means of atension spring II8, said tension spring having one end secured to the intermediate portion of the finger I 81' and its other end secured to a wheel IIII.

As the wheel I8I rotates in a clockwise manner in Figure 17, theblank I8 is advanced by means of chains-39 and projections 48 so that the leading end of the blank will pass directly beneath the wheel I8I. Of course, as the wheel moves to the position shown in Figures 1'7 and 18 the lower end of the finger I8'I will move downwardly to cause the leading tab II to be creased along the perforated line I8. This is what constitutes previously described operation No. 1.

It is also necessary for the leading end of the blank I8 to be supported on the lower side along a line adjacent the crease line while the finger I81 is moving downwardly to perform its function. Therefore, a finger I2I has been provided which is pivoted as at I22 to the periphery of wheel I23 on shaft 42. A screw I24 and a projecting pin I25 are provided tolimit the counterclockwise movement of this finger in Figure' 18 due to the tension exerted by tension spring I28. Since the wheel I23 and its associated shaft 42 are driven in timed relation to the shaft 4| and the wheel I8I, the supporting finger I2I will be in the proper position for supporting the lower portion of the box while the finger I 81 moves downwardly to crease the tab I1 along the crease linel3. f

In order to prevent the leading end wall I4 from being forced upwardly a greater amount than necessary on account of the rapid rotation of wheel I23 and finger I2I, a suitable prong I21 is provided, said prong being secured to the periphery of wheel IN by means of a bracket I23 and a bolt I29 (Figure 18). As the wheel III rotates finger I01 to the creasing position, the finger I21 moves downwardly against the top side of the end wall I4 at a point close to the fold or bend line I6 and holds the upper portion of the end wall steady.

As the box I0 is moved to the left in Figures 17, 18 and 19, the finger I01 continues to fold the tab I1 inwardly. A short interval of time prior to the lower end of the finger I01 leaving the tab however, the sleeve IIO contacts a sleeve I30, This contact causes the lower end of finger to move forwardly at a faster rate than the body blank and in the same direction that the blank is traveling, to thereby effect a quick release of the finger I 01 from the folded end tab. In other words, the finger I01 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about point I04 (Figure 18) to cause the lower end of the finger to complete the fold of the end tab and at the same time clear the path of travel of the blank. Due to the shape of slot II6 the lower end of the finger I01 is also moved downwardly to the left to keep the lower end of the finger traveling substantially horizontally. The sleeve I30 is secured to bracket I3I which extends upwardly from the rail 90.

After the leading tab I1 has been creased in the manner shown in Figure 19 it is then directed on top of the side rails 15 and 90 and the central portion of the box is directed between the upper and lower center belts 45 and 46. The portions of the box which rest upon the side belts 10 and 93 are also drawn beneath swords I32 and I33 which, in turn, are disposed over belts 19 and 93, respectively (see Figures 1 and 11) These swords are supported by the transverse shaft 64 (Figure 8). Secured to and disposed above side rails 15 and 90 are folding arms I34 and I35 respectively, said folding arms being secured as at I36 and I31 to the side rails. The right-hand ends of these arms in Figure 8 are inclined downwardly and outwardly so that when the leading end of the blank I0 reaches these folding arms the outer portions II and I2 and the tabs I1 will ride along the top edges of these arms. Since the intermediate portion-of the blank is disposed beneath the swords I32 and I33, it stands to reason that the side walls II and I2 and end walls I4 and I5 will be bent upwardly and inwardly along lines 22 and 23 to occupy a position beneath the folding arms I34 and I35 as shown in Figure 11, As they continue to advance, the sidewalls will be folded to a substantially parallel position to the bottom of the box in the manner shown in Figures 4 and 12. This folding operation constitutes operation number 3 previously described.

In order to effect operation number 2 which takes place immediately after operation number 1, that is to crease the trailing end tabs 20 along their perforated crease lines 2|, a suitable projection I40 is provided on wheel I 0I (Figures 8,1! and 20), the other end of which is disposed upon a circumference which passes through the same .path traveled by the lower portion of crimp. ing finger I01. This member is secured to a Z- shaped bracket I42 which is secured to periphery of wheel III by means of bolts I43. The leading the end wall I5.

tab l1iscrimpedandthetrailingendwall I3 and its associated tab 23 is then passed beneath the wheel "I. The projecting member I40 Is so positioned that it will contact this tab 20 and bend it downwardly as shown in Figure 20 along line 22 when the blank is in proper position. In this figure, it will be noted that not only is the tab 20 bent downwardly but also a portion of As the blank I0 continues to move to the left from the position shown in Figure 20. a suitable inwardly directed bar I46 engages the leading edge of tab 20 and serves to bend it along the crease line 2|. The hooked end 145a is provided to exert the proper bending pressure along the crease line 2I. Since this crease line is perforated, the bending will take place along this line. As the tab continues to move to the left, it is subsequently engaged by a guide I46 which directs the tab farther inwardly to the position shown in Figure 21, It also prevents the tab 23 from opening before the blank reaches the belt.. Incidentally guide I46 also serves to complete the folding of tab I1 and to guide it onto the side rail 90 where it is heldin folded position as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The tab then passes on top of the side rail 90 and the blank bottom passes beneath the sword I33.

with both the leading tabs I1 and the trailing tabs 20 folded to the position shown in Figure 3 and with the side walls and the ends of the end walls folded inwardly in the position shown in Figure 4, the box continues its longitudinal movement until the leading end wall I4 contacts stop I50 (Figures 8 and 10). This stop is adjustably secured to the top of the machine by means of bolts I5I and slots I52 in plate I53 (Figure 8). Before the collapsed box, as shown in Figure 4 reaches this stop I 50, 'it passes beneath curved plates I64 and I56 (see Figures 8 and 10) and beneath brush I56. While passing beneath members I and I56 it passes over the top of a moving belt I51 disposed beneath these members. Belt I51 is mounted for travel on rollers I58 and I59, I60, I6I, I62 and I63.

By referring to Figures 8 and 15, it is seen that sprocket chains I65 are provided with lugs I66. These sprocket chains are mounted on sprockets I61 and I68 which, in turn, are rotatably mounted on shaft I69 and studs I10, respectively. These chains I65 and the lugs I 66 are so positioned that the lugs will contact the side walls of the box and move the box transversely from the position assumed when the end strikes the stop I50. The lugs I66 engage the box in the manner shown in Figure 16, after which the box is delivered sidewise between a pair of belts I15 and I16 which are mounted upon wheels I11 and I18, respectively, said wheels being rotatably mounted upon transversely disposed shafts I19 and I". These wheels, as shown in Figure 15 are positioned along the center line of the box.

In other words, they constitute a portion of the center track. Notwithstanding this fact, the side tracks are identical in all respectsto the center track shown and like reference characterswill be given like parts. All of the tracks are shown in the lower portion of Figure 1. .The wheels upon which the left-hand end of belts I16 are mounted are not shown, but this structure is identical to the structure shown in the lower left-hand portion of Figure 9 which has been previously described. The belts I16 ride on top of suitable rollers I3I which are supported by tracks I32 (see Figures 13, 14 and 15).

The upper belts I each pass beneath a roller I83 and then upwardly over a roller I85. The lower layer of each belt I15 is also supported by suitable spaced tension rollers I85 which are disposed in bar I81, said bar I81 being supported by links I88 on lever I89. The lever I89 has its intermediate portion secured around shaft I99. The bar I81 also has smaller rollers I9I in the left-hand end thereof for holding the box in contact with the belt after it passes out from beneath the lower layer of the upper belt I15.

Suitable glue pots I95 (Figures 8 and 16)- are disposed'along the courses which are traveled by the ends of the box. Each of these glue pots has a roller I96 therein, the lower periphery of which is adapted to pass through an adhesive solution I91. Also secured on the shaft I19 is a wheel I98, and this wheel has glue spot applicators I99 secured to the periphery thereof as at 288; As the chains I65 and lugs I66 move the box to the left in Figure 16, it is passed beneath the glue pots and between the belts I15 and I16. While it passes between these belts the glue applicator I99 is adapted to contact the periphery of the glue roll I96 from which is obtained a quantity of adhesive. Then just at the time that the folded sidewalls pass between the shafts I19 and I80, these glue applicators apply glue spots' 26 and 21 to the tabs (see Figure '4). Of course one end of the box as shown in Figure 4 will pass beneath the'other glue pot. It is seen in Figure 8 that the glue roll I96 is driven in timed relation to shaft I19 through gears 204 and 285. With the glue applied to the tabs I1 and 20, the fourth operation is completed.

After the glue spots are applied to the tabs, the belts carry the box toward the observer in Figure 8. Suitable folding bars 282 and 203 are pro-v vided which are similar to the folding bars I34 and I employed in carrying out the third operation. These bars are directed downwardly and outwardly so that when the box reaches these bars, the lower end of the bars will be disposed beneath the ends I4 and I5 of the box to cause the same to be folded inwardly and to cause the tabs I1 and 20 to adhere to the exterior of the box.

I have therefore provided an apparatus which is capable of bending the end tabs I1 and 20 along perforated lines I8, folding the side walls, applying glue spots, folding the end walls and securing the end tabs to the exterior of the sidewalls to form a completed box. I have also disclosed a method of making a-collapsible box which comprises folding the leading tabs I1, folding the trailing tabs 28, creasing the side walls along 1 lines 22 and 23, moving the box transversely,

applying glue spots 26 and 21 to the tabs and then folding the end walls to cause the tabs I1- and 20 to be secured 'to the exterior of the side walls.

After the end walls of box II! have been folded by arms 282 and 203, these walls move beneath belts 2| 5 (Figure 22) and while going beneath these belts the end walls are held firmly against the intermediate portions of the box to thereby cause the glued surface of the tabs I1 and 28 to be compressed against the exterior of side walls II and I2. The belts 2I5 are supported by rollers M6 and 2I1 in a manner similar to the supporting of belts 86 and 96 shown and described in connection with Figures 9 and 12.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the appended claims:

I claim:

1. That method of forming a collapsible box from a stamped blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a' pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent of the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, the steps of which comprise moving the blank longitudinally, folding said extensions on the leading end portions inwardly and forwardly upon themselves,

along crease lines oblique to the longitudinal center line of the box, folding said extensions on the trailing end portion inwardly and rearwardly upon themselves along oblique crease lines, folding the side walls and said folded extensions inwardly toward the longitudinal center line, moving said blank transversely of its longitudinal center line, applying an adhesive to said folded extension and then folding the end walls and said folded extension inwardly along lines at right angles to the longitudinal center line to cause the extensions to adhere to the exterior of said side walls. s

2. In the art of making a collapsible box from a rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, moving such a prefabricated sheet endwise of itself, bending the trailing portion of the tabs on the leading end of the sheet beneath the otherportions of said leading tabs, bending the leading portion of the tabs on the trailing end of the sheet and folding them beneath the other portions of said tabs, then folding the folded tabs and the side portions of the blank upwardly along a line passing through the bases of said slots and pressing said tabs and side portions against the central portion of the blank, then moving the partially folded blank sidewise, while applying an adhesive to selected portions of the upper surface of the folded portions of the blank, then moving the blank sidewise and folding the ends of the blank upwardly and onto the top surface of the folded side edges to cause adhesion between the first folded portion of the tabs and the exterior of the side walls, whereby when the side walls and end walls are unfolded, the tabs will be unfolded and the tabs being secured to the side walls will limit outward movement of said walls.

3. In the art of making a collapsible box from a rectangular blank having slots in each side edge penetrating the blank to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and said slots being parallel to the end edges and spaced from the end edges a distance equivalent to the depth of the completed box to form tabs on each corner of the blank, the tabs being perforated diagonally at an angle of approximately 45 degrees extending fromthe corners of the blank, the method of making a box from such a blank which comprises moving the box endwise of itself, then folding the trailing portions of the leading tabs along their perforated lines and folding the same beneath the other half of their other portions, and bending the leading half of the trailing tabs downwardly and beneath the other half of the tabs, then folding the previously folded tabs and the side edges of the blank upwardly and over against the central portion of the blank, then applying an adhesive to portions of the top surfaces of the folded portions, then moving the blank along a line parallel to its end edges and folding the ends of the blank and the tabs upwardly and over against the upper surfaces of the folded side walls to cause the upper surfaces of the folded tabs to adhere to the side walls.

4. In the art of making a collapsible box from a rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth-equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, moving such a prefabricated sheet endwise of itself, bending the trailing portion of the tabs on the leading end of the sheet beneath the other portions of said leading tabs, bending the leading portion of the tabs on the trailing end of the sheet and folding them beneath the other portions of the said tabs, then folding the folded tabs and the side portions of the blank upwardly along a line passing through the bases of said slots and pressing said tabs and side portions against the central portion of the blank, then moving the partially folded blank and folding the ends of the blank and the folded tabs upwardly and against the upper sur-, faces of the folded side edges and securing the.

first folded portions of the tabs to the side walls to complete the box.

5. Apparatus for forming a box from a unitary rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box,- thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, comprising means for moving the blank endwise,

means for folding the trailing portion of the extensions on the leading end of the blank downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line bisecting the forward extensions, means for folding the leading portion of the extensions on the trailing end of the blank rearwardly and downwardly along oblique lines bisecting the trailing extensions, means for folding the extensions and the side portions of the blank upwardly and over against the central portion of the blank, means for then moving the blank sidewise, means for folding the end portions and the folded extensions upwardly and over against the folded side portions, and means for securing the first folded portions of said extensions to the upper surface of the folded side portions to complete the box.

6. Apparatus for forming a box from a unitary rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank, a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, comprising means for moving the blank endwise, means for folding the trailing portion of the extensions on the leading end of the blank downwardly and forwardly, along an oblique line entirely bisecting the forward extensions, means for folding the leading portion of the extensions on the trailing end of the blank rear-wardly and downwardly along oblique lines entirely bisecting the trailing extensions, means for folding the extensions and the side portions of the blank upthe blank, means for then moving the blank sidewise, means for folding the end portions and the folded extensions upwardly and over against the folded side portions, and means for rendering the upper surface of the first folded portions of the extensions adhesive before they are folded onto the side walls to cause said extensions to adhere to the side walls.

7. Apparatus for forming a box from a unitary rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed wardly and over against the central portion of in spaced relation to the ends of the blank, a

distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, comprising means for moving the blank endwise, means for folding the trailing portion of the extensions on the leading end of the blank downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line entirely bisecting go the forwardextensions, means for folding the leading portion of the extensions on the trailing end of the blank rearwardly and downwardly along oblique lines entirely bisecting the trailing extensions, means for folding the extensions and the side portions of the blank upwardly and over against the central portion of the blank, means for then moving the blank sidewise, means for folding the end portions and the folded extensions upwardly and over against the folded side portions, and means for applying an adhesive to the top surface of the first folded extensions before the last folding operation is completed.

8. Apparatus for making a box .from a. rec'- tangular blank having slots defining the ends of the side walls and forming extensions on the ends of the end walls, comprising means for moving end of the leading extensions inwardly, downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line en.- tirely bisecting the extension, means for folding the leading portion of the trailing extensions inwardly, rearwardly and downwardly alongan oblique line entirely bisecting the extensions, means for folding the folded extensions and the side portions of the blank inwardly and over the central portion of the blank, means for moving the blank laterally, means for folding the ends and their associated folded extensions upwardly and over against the top surfaces of the folded side portions, and means forsecuring the upper portion of each folded extension to the exterior surface of the side portions.

,9. Apparatus for making a box from a rectangular blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to .the

the blank endwise, means for folding the trailing amaooc entirely the extensions, means for folding the leading portion of the trailing extensions inwardly,' and downwardly along an obliqueT'line' entirely bisecting the extensions, means-for folding'the folded extensions and the side portions {of the blank upwardly and over against the central portion of the blank, means for mevmg'me blank laterally, means for folding the ends and their associated folded extensions upwardlyand over against the top surfaces of the folded side portions, and means for rendering the fold of theextensions adhesive before they contact said side walls.

10. Apparatus for making a box from a rectangular blank having slots defining the ends of the side walls and'forming extensions on the ends of the end walls, comprising means for moving the blank endwise, means for folding the trailing end of the leading extensions inwardly, downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line entirely bisecting the extensions, means for folding the leading portion of the trailing extensions inwardly, rearwardlyv and downwardly along an oblique line entirely bisecting the extensions,

means for folding the folded extensions and the side portions of the blank upwardly and over against the central portion of the blank, means for moving the blank laterally, means for folding the ends'and their associated folded extensions upwardly and over against the top surfaces of the folded side portions, and means for depositing an adhesive on the upper portion of the folded extensions before theyaare pressed intocontact with the exterior surface of the side walls.

11. Apparatus for forming a box from a unitary rectangular blank having slots in its side edges which are parallel to the end edges and spaced from the end edges a distance equal to thedepth of the completed box, and forming extensions on the end portions defined by said slots, comprising a plurality of belts for conveying the blanks endwise through the apparatus, a rotatable shaft, a

pair of spaced wheels on said shaft, fingers on the wheels for engaging the trailing ends of the leading extensions and folding them along an oblique line downwardly and forwardly, supporting means movable in timed relation to the movement of the blank for moving into the path of the leading extensions for supporting the same along said oblique line while the folding operation is performed, means onsaid wheels-for later engaging the trailing extensions and bending them downwardly, means for engaging the leading edge of the trailing extensions and folding the leading half of the trailing extensions inwardly and. rearwardly along an oblique line 'bisecting the same, a pair of, fixed fingers for engaging the lower surfaces of the extensions and the lower surfaces of the side portions of the blank for folding them upwardly and onto the upper surfaces of the body portion of the blank as the blank is moved through the apparatus, means for moving the blank sidewise, means for applying an adhesive to selected portions of the upper exposed portions of the blank, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the end portions and folding them upwardly and over against the upper surfaces of the side walls of the box as the box continues to be moved sidewise to cause adhesion between the uppermost portion of the folded extensions and the sidewalls of the box.

12. Apparatus for folding a box from a unitary blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed boxand being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, comprising means for mova ing the blank endwise, a pair of rotatable means for engaging the rear portions of the extensions on the leading end of the blank and folding them along an oblique line entirely bisecting the extensions to a position where the, trailing half of the 10 extensions occupy a position beneath the leading half of the extensions, a pair of spaced means for engaging the leading portion of the extensions on the rear end'of the blank and folding them along an oblique line entirelyqbisecting the latter extensions to where the leading portions of the latter extensions occupy aposition beneath the trailing portions of said latter extensions, means for further moving the blank endwise, a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending fingers engageable by the lower surface of the outer portions of the blank for folding the folded extensions and the side portions of the blank upwardly and onto the central portion of the blank to form side walls for the box, means for moving the blank sidewise, means for applying an adhesive to selected spots on the upper surfaces of the folded portions, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the endsof the blank and folding them upwardly and over againstthe top surfaces of the side walls as the blank is moved sidewise, and means for holding the folded ends in position against the top surfaces of the side walls while adhesion takes place between the upper folded portion of each tension and the side walls to complete the box.

13. In a machine for making a collapsible box from a rectangular unitary blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth (0 equivalent to the depth ofthe completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, a pair of rotatable shafts having superposed pulleys thereon, a plurality of belts mounted on said pulleys and being spaced from each other to receive box blanks therebetween and to move the samethrough the machine, means for feeding the blanks into the space between the belts, a pair of spaced wheels mounted on the upper one of the superposed shafts, folding fingers mounted on each of said wheels, fixed means for engaging one end of said fingers and moving the other end into the path of an advancing blank to fold the trailing half of the leading extensions downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line bisecting the extensions, means for supporting the extensions along their fold lines while said folding operation is being carried out, other means on said wheels for engaging the trailing. extensions and bending them downward along a line defining the corners of the box, means for engaging the leading edges of the. trailing extensions and folding them inwardly and rearwardly along a line bisecting the latter extensions, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the folded extensions and the outer portions of the blank for folding them upwardly and over against the upper surface of the blank to form the sidewalls of the box, means for arresting the endwise movement of the blank, means for engaging the blank and moving the same sidewise, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the end portions and I 8 areaooe folding them upwardly and over against the folded side walls, and means for securing the uppermost folded artension portion to the exterior of the side walls.

14. In a machine for making a collapsible box from a rectangular unitary blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portion of the blank, a pair of superposed rotatable shafts having superposed pulleys thereon, a plurality of belts mounted on said pulleys and being spaced from each other to receive box blanks therebetween and to move the same through the machine, means for feeding the blanks into the space between the belts, a pair of spaced wheels mounted on the 1 upper one of the superposed shafts, folding fingers mounted on each of said wheels, fixed means for engaging one end of said fingers and moving the other end into the path c an advancing blank to fold the trailing half of the leading extensions downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line bisecting the extensions, means for supporting the extensions along their fold lines while said folding operation is being carried out, other means on said wheels for engaging the trailing extensions and bending them downward along a line defining the corners of the box, means for engaging the leading edges of the trailing extensions and folding them inwardly and rearwardly along a line bisecting the latter extensions, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the folded extensions and the outer portions of the blank for folding them upwardly and over against the upper surface of the blank to form the side walls of the box, means for arresting the endwise movement of the blank, means for engaging the blank and moving the same sidewise, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the end portions and folding them upwardly and over against the folded side walls, and means for rendering the upper surface of the folded extensions adhesive before they are pressed against the upper surfaces of the folded side walls.

15. In a machine for making a collapsible box from a rectangular unitary blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, a pair of superposed rotatable shafts having superposed pulleys thereon, a plurality of belts mounted on said pulleys and being spaced from each other to receive box blanks therebetween and to move the same through the xnachine, means for feeding the blanks into the space between the belts, a pair of spaced wheels mounted on the upper one of the superposed shafts, folding fingers mounted on each of said wheels, fixed means for engaging one end of said fingers and moving the other end into the path of the advancing blank to fold the trailing half of the leading extensions downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line biseeting the extensions, means for supporting the extensions along their fold lines while said folding operation is being carried out, other means on said wheels for engaging the trailingextensions and bending them downward along a line defining the corners of the box, means for the leading edges of the trailing extensions and folding them inwardly and rearwardly along a line bisecting the latter extensions, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the folded extensions and the outer portions of the blank for folding them upwardly and over against the upper surface of the blank to form the side walls of the box, means for arresting the endwise movement of the blank, means for engaging the blank and moving the same sidewise, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the end portions and folding them upwardly and over against the folded side walls, and means for causing adhesion between theupper fold of the extensions and the. exterior surface of the side walls.

16. In a machine for making a collapsible box from a rectangular unitary blank, the blank having the characteristic of being provided with a pair of slots in each side extending to a depth equivalent to the depth of the completed box and being disposed in spaced relation to the ends of the blank a distance which is equivalent to the depth of the completed box, thus forming extensions on the ends of the end portions of the blank, a pair of superposed rotatable shafts having pulleys thereon, a plurality of belts mounted on said pulleys and being spaced from each other to receive box blanks therebetween and to move the same through the machine, means for feeding the blanks into the space between the belts, a pair of spaced wheels mounted on the upper one of the superposed shafts, folding fingers mounted on each of said wheels, fixed means for engaging one end of said fingers and moving the other end into the path of an advancing blank to fold the trailing half of the leading extensions downwardly and forwardly along an oblique line bisecting the extensions, means for supporting the extensions along their fold lines while said folding operation is being carried out, other means on said wheels for engaging the trailing extensions and bending them downward along a line defining the corners of the box, means for engaging the leading edges of the trailing extensions and folding them inwardly and rearwardly along a line bisecting the latter extensions, means for engaging the lower surfaces of the 

